System and method for electromechanical actuator apparatus having a screen assembly

Abstract

A method of operating an actuator in mud having debris and lost circulation material is described. The method includes closing a servo valve positioned within a valve housing. The valve housing has a plurality of fluid vents positioned downstream of the servo valve and a plurality of debris vents positioned upstream of the servo valve. Dimensions of the plurality of fluid vents are less than dimensions of the plurality of debris vents. Closing of the servo valve creates a first fluid path such that fluid flows from a mud pump at a surface into the plurality of debris vents and out of the plurality of fluid vents shielding the servo valve from debris and lost circulation material.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of operating an actuator in mud having debris and lost circulation material, comprising:
 closing a servo valve positioned within a valve housing having a first end above the servo valve and a second end below the servo valve, the valve housing having a plurality of fluid vents positioned between the servo valve and the second end and a plurality of debris vents positioned between the first end and the servo valve, wherein dimensions of the plurality of fluid vents are less than dimensions of the plurality of debris vents, wherein, when the servo valve is closed, the servo valve creates a first fluid path wherein fluid flows from a mud pump at a surface into the plurality of debris vents and out of the plurality of fluid vents shielding the servo valve from debris and lost circulation material. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of:
 opening the servo valve to create a second fluid path wherein fluid flows from the mud pump at the surface into the plurality of debris vents and into the plurality of fluid vents. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the valve housing further includes a screen assembly circumferentially wrapping about the valve housing. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3 , wherein the screen assembly includes at least one slot positioned such that fluid flows through the slot of the screen assembly and the fluid vents. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 4 , wherein the screen assembly includes the at least one slot positioned such that fluid flows through the slot of the screen assembly and the debris vents.